Russell’s making amends
Kong. It provided a much-needed boost for the squad – 24 hours after disappointment in the Madison, where Barker and Neah Evans had their medal hopes hit by a late crash.
Barker, 25, said: “It always feels pretty good to be honest. I’d have much rather won the Madison – I was very happy with how I rode.”
SAMI VALIMAKI was feeling “awesome” after landing a maiden European Tour title yesterday.
The Finn and South African Brandon Stone finished level on 13 under par at the Oman Open in Muscat after both shot final-round 70s.
The duo halved the first two play-off holes before Stone faltered with a bogey. Valimaki, 21 and making his sixth Tour appearance, said: “It’s awesome. There are not many words to say.”
DAN BIGGAR is set to miss Wales’ clash with England – leaving the defending champions without a recognised playmaker for Saturday’s Twickenham showdown.
Fly-half Biggar hyperextended his right knee playing for Northampton against Saracens on Saturday after Wales were obliged to release their Premiership players back to the clubs.
Saints director of rugby Chris Boyd calmed fears about serious damage to the 30-year-old, but sources suggest he is highly unlikely to recover in time for Saturday’s clash.
That would present a significant problem for Wales, who have already lost fly-half trio Rhys Patchell, Owen Williams and Gareth Anscombe to long-term injury.
Coach Wayne Pivac will assess his options today, which
FINN RUSSELL will help prepare Scotland to face Grand Slam-chasing France after burying the hatchet with coach Gregor Townsend.
Russell missed Scotland’s games against Ireland, England and Italy after a breach of team protocol.
When he went public with criticism of Townsend, there seemed no way back, but the pair have spoken three times should not take long as Cardiff Blues fly-half Jarrod Evans – who has never started a Six Nations match – is the only No 10 left in the squad.
The loss of Biggar hits particularly hard as the former Osprey turned the game Wales’ way in Cardiff a year ago and played a decisive role in England’s 2015 World Cup defeat at Twickenham.
But Sam Underhill, left, who played club rugby in Wales before joining Bath, warned that whatever team Pivac takes to London, it will be a battle royal.
The flanker said: “Whether you’ve lived in Wales or not, England v Wales is a game with an extra edge to it. It’s always a pretty passionate occasion for us – and them especially.
“I’ll never know what it really means for the Welsh because since Scotland’s win over Italy last month.
The fly-half will not feature in the remainder of the Six Nations but has agreed to pass on knowledge gained from playing French club rugby for Racing 92 ahead of Sunday’s clash at Murrayfield.